Tottenham Hotspur to hijack Arsenal's move for French defender?

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to beat Arsenal to the services of Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.

The Gunners have been in advanced negotiations with the Ligue 1 side for the defender and reports have indicated that they have agreed on a £27m fee for the 18-year-old which will be paid in installments.

However, according to BBC Sport, Spurs are understood to have made a late approach for the France youth international and they are hoping to edge out their rivals with a potential straight-cash deal offer.

Saliba has made just 16 league appearances since making his league debut last year and reports have indicated that Saint-Etienne will keep him on loan next season regardless of any transfer agreement this summer.

The player's representative has acknowledged that the teenager remains a firm admirer of the Gunners and barring a strange change of events, it appears that Unai Emery's side will eventually win the race to sign him.